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Beijing

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At a glance

Country
China
Region
Beijing
Population
21.9 million
Best time to go
April to May, September to October
Main airport
Beijing Capital International (PEK)
Coordinates
39.90°N, 116.41°E

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Overview

China's capital has been the seat of emperors for centuries, and its imperial heart still lies on a grand north–south axis through the Forbidden City. Around it spreads a vast modern metropolis of ring roads, glass towers and futuristic stadiums.

The magic is in the contrast. Spend the morning in palace courtyards, the afternoon in the narrow hutong alleys, and the evening over Peking duck, with the Great Wall an easy day trip away.

Things to see

Things to do

  • Walk the Great Wall at Mutianyu
    Photo: Velatrix, CC0

    Walk the Great Wall at Mutianyu

    A restored, forested section with watchtowers and a toboggan ride down, quieter than Badaling.

    Find tours
  • Explore the hutongs
    Photo: Geoff McKim, CC BY-SA 2.0

    Explore the hutongs

    Wander the old alleys around Houhai and Nanluoguxiang, or hire a bike to see courtyard life.

  • Eat Peking duck
    Photo: City Foodsters, CC BY 2.0

    Eat Peking duck

    Crisp, lacquered duck carved at the table and wrapped in thin pancakes with spring onion and sauce.

  • 798 Art Zone
    Photo: Cory M. Grenier, CC BY-SA 2.0

    798 Art Zone

    Former factories turned into galleries, studios and cafés in the north-east of the city.

Where to stay

  • Dongcheng

    Central and historic, with courtyard hotels close to the Forbidden City and hutongs.

    Hotels in Dongcheng

  • Houhai

    Lakeside and atmospheric, with bars and old alleys. Lively at night.

    Hotels in Houhai

  • Sanlitun

    Modern and international, with the best restaurants, shopping and nightlife.

    Hotels in Sanlitun

  • Qianmen

    South of Tiananmen, handy for the main sights and the Temple of Heaven.

    Hotels in Qianmen

Getting around

The subway is cheap, fast and signed in English. Set up Alipay or WeChat Pay before you arrive, and carry your passport for ticket checks.

The Airport Express train links Capital Airport with the city in about 30 minutes; the newer Daxing Airport has its own express line.

When to go

Spring and autumn are the best seasons, with clear skies and mild weather. Summers are hot and humid, winters cold and dry, and the national holidays in early May and October are very crowded.

Plan your trip to Beijing

Guide last checked October 2026. Opening times and prices change, so check before you go.

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